Magnetism Activity Write-up
Use the following format for
1) Technology Teaching Project write-up,
2) Chapter Presentation write-up.
Reference (complete information for where the activity came from. Use A.P.A. or other format)
Oregon Science Standards:
1. 5th Grade
2. Core Standard - 5.2 Interaction and Change: Force, energy, matter, and organisms interact
within living and non-living systems.
3. Content Standard - 5.2P.1 Describe how friction, gravity, and magnetic forces affect objects
on or near Earth.
Science Content (Direct Instruction):
Describe the science: Magnetic poles that are alike repel each other and magnetic poles that are
unlike attract each other. Magnetic field lines spread out from one pole, curve around a magnet
and return to the other pole. In a magnetized material, all or most of the domains are arranged in
the same direction. Magnets are destroyed by disorganizing the alignment of the atoms. This
can be done by hitting it hard or heat. Breaking it just creates smaller magnets. Strong magnets
can overcome the force of gravity.
Vocabulary words:
Magnetism – the attraction of one object for another object
Magnetic Pole – the area of a magnet where the magnetic effect is strongest
Magnetic field – the region of magnetic force around a magnet
Atom – smallest particle of an element
Nucleus – the center of every atom and carries a positive charge
Electrons – tiny particles that orbit the nucleus and carries a negative charge
Magnetic domain – a cluster of billions of atoms that are lined up in the same direction
Ferromagnetic material – a material that shows strong magnetic effects (eg. Iron, nickel, cobalt)
Objective(s) of Activity:
1. Students will be able to describe how magnetic forces affect objects on Earth
2. Recognize patters of magnetic fields
Materials List: A description of any materials that will be needed to teach the lesson.
The Action (Procedure):
Ferromagnetic materials
1. Use PowerPoint to explain what magnetism and ferromagnetic means
2. Predict which 8 objects in a cup are ferromagnetic material
3. Experiment with prediction results
4. Use hand-out to record observation
5. Ask if there are any characteristics that give us clues about if an material is ferromagnetic
PowerPoint instruction
1. Explain other definitions and what makes a material magnetic
Drawing magnetic fields activity
1. Place magnets under a paper and lightly sprinkle the paper with iron filaments
2. Have students record and draw observations
Pencil object lesson
1. Demonstrate how magnetic fields overcome the earth’s gravitational force
Questions
Tying Ideas Together: These are (10) questions that help to expand the lesson or motivate the
participants to think/reflect upon what they are learning.
Assessment: These are (5) questions or other means which you can use to check (assess) how
well the participant learned the material. Usually the assessment is focused on how well the
objectives were met. If all the objectives were learned, then it is assumed that the goal of the
lesson was accomplished.
Handouts: Include all materials (e.g. data collection sheets or drawing/recording sheets or worksheets)
students will be using to complete the activity and/or lesson.
Safety Considerations: If potential harmful chemicals or dangerous methods will be used, describe
how to prevent injury or what precautions should be taken.
Reading and Writing Integration: List specific books (cite reference) and writing assignments
that could be used to extend or enhance this activity into Reading and Writing Literacy.
Additional Information and Sources of Original Activity/Lesson: Include here any
additional references or information concerning the lesson (e.g. web site addresses).